The GMen

Intro: Weird how things happen when you aren’t there to talk about them. No show last week as we were both off doing other stuff and Apple had the NERVE to release new products without our approval! How dare they and Tim Cook will be hearing from our lawyers! Chuck Joiner from the MacVoices Podcast joins Guy to talk about the new stuffFor Pick’s Sake (Where applicable you fool you fool)Guy: Elgato’s Wave Link software (https://www.elgato.com/us/en/s/wave-link-app?srsltid=AfmBOop3TUGg2jA0x95Eeupjlqx9-WOAkvsSy55xV2zppyCuKaEzQiU2)Gaz : Chuck: Looks like rain https://www.lookslikerain.app/Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyChuck Joiner contacts: Macvoices.com email chuck@macvoices.comGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Intro: Every year for ten years there has been an event that has brought joy and sunshine to the mid-west of the US regardless of the weather. That event? The Macstock Conference and Expo in Woodstock, Illinois. I’ve been to most of them and returning after missing out last year. Here to tell us about it is Mike Potter, creator and head man for Macstock!Gaz's Links:Guy: Acorn Flyingmeat.comGaz : Mike: itsycal mowglii.com/itsycal/Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and Blueskyhttps://formaceyesonly.comhttps://youtube.com/fmeotvhttps://tooting.ninja/@formaceyesonlyhttps://macstockconference.comhttps://youtube.com/@macstockhttps://tooting.ninja/@macstockexpoGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Damn rumors. Unfortunately we’re in the doldrums between Apple News and releases so actual topics can be hard to find. So, I want to talk about two rumors that if true, would benefit many people like me with restricted or limited vision.Gaz's Links:Guy: Notes. Gaz : iTunes more popular than you thinkhttps://9to5mac.com/2026/02/02/itunes-might-be-more-popular-than-you-think-per-report/Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Will they? Won’t they? Does anyone really know? The analysts that follow Apple would have you believe that they do…they don’tGaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Currently Apple has ads in the App Store, Apple News, and the Stocks App. Rumors of an ad-based free tier for AppleTV, added to other parts of the App Store and Apple Maps are out there. Would Apple add (no pun intended) these and how much might it cost them in good will?Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Earth is having some issues, so let's enjoy the Webb telescope's new nebula imagehttps://www.engadget.com/science/space/earth-is-having-some-issues-so-lets-enjoy-the-webb-telescopes-new-nebula-image-181049901.html?src=rssContact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

For a lot of people, buying new Apple gear was just the thing they did. New phones, Macs, iPads, whatever the latest hotness was. However are we hitting the point of “Why Bother?”, with the newer stuff just marginally better than the previous generation. So where’s the innovation and why does concern many tech giants.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Wait Whathttps://9to5mac.com/2026/01/08/the-smartlet-dual-watch-band-is-the-most-ridiculous-apple-watch-accessory-yet/Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

CES has come and gone with many Attendees nursing hangovers and jet lag of monumentous proportions. Oh and apparently lots of TV, refrigerators with built-in AI, and sofas that track how many calories each of the Cheetos you’ve been eating has as well as that amount of artery clogging that they do. Also some Apple related stuff too.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Wait Whathttps://9to5mac.com/2026/01/08/the-smartlet-dual-watch-band-is-the-most-ridiculous-apple-watch-accessory-yet/Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

The Mac, true or not, has always been associated with being the choice for creative types. One of those is choices is movie making and editing. We’re going to look at 3 options iMovie, CapCut, and Davinci. They all do the job, but which might be better for you?Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

It's Christmas time and the GMen have watched Home Alone WAY too many times. No big agenda this week, some Gaz's snippets, what we did for Christmas, and h0ow much is too much creamed spinach? Answewr, when you make enough for 8 people but have only 4 at the tableGaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Apple in one fell swoop changed the version numbers of all the various operating systems to whateverOS 26. The difference between the old version and the new is a mixed bag. Not exactly news, but there were some new bits and bobs along for the ride. As updates come along, you’d think they’d be happy just to squash bugs that inevitably crop up, Apple keeps adding stuff. Is this a good idea, or should we as Apple users, expect a little consistency? This week we’ll look at some common issues with macOS 26 Tahoe.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Gaz's Pick:  Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Well that bastion of obvious freedom Russia has decided that FaceTime is just TOO dangerous to allow because if they do, “the terrorists win” argument. EVERYONE has heard of those FaceBook (also banned) grannies exchanging more that fruitcake recipes! There’s also obvious secrets going out on Twitter, Discord,, and LinkedIn (also banned). TikTok is Russian content only and WhatsApp and Telegram can’t be used without a VPN. What to do, what to do. Well, laughing at silly fools playing digital games is always an option.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaz's Pick:  Contact Infogmenshow@icloud.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Lock your doors and stay in your basement folks as that yearly phenomenon known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday has hit and hordes of frenzied shoppers are out looking for deals on cheap crap. Apple’s stuff isn’t all that cheap and for the most part not crap, but there are deals to be had. Elisa Pacelli former geeky lady and part of Geekiest Show Ever joins Guy in discussing your Apple options this year.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠⁠⁠Gaz's Pick:  sensaidaigmenpodcast@icloud.comgmenshow@icloud.comGuy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

 There’s been recently released products in the Apple Store that’s leaves many wondering if there’s a few screws loose in Cupertino. Starting with the iPhone Pocket, which is sort of a very expensive and created by a Japanese designer Issey Miyake satchel for your iPhone. Then there’s the crossbody strap by Sienna which attaches to the iPhone through special cases, and lastly the Hikawa phone grip and stand. Yeah there’s been a lot of talk about these, are any of them worth the price?Karl Madden with his first time visit to the G-Studios and he makes it a memorable one.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠⁠⁠⁠Gaz's Pick:  gmenpodcast@icloud.comgmenshow@icloud.comGuy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Been some movement lately in Apple management that doesn’t include people leaving or getting fired from the Apple Intelligence team. I wonder who else might be departing from Apple soon?David Ginberg from the In Touch with iOS podcast joins Guy to discuss management moves at AppleGaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠⁠⁠Gaz's Pick:  gmenpodcast@icloud.comgmenshow@icloud.comGuy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrotABOUT:  Dave GinsburgDave is an IT professional who supports Apple and Microsoft products and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV. He hosts his weekly podcast, In Touch with iOS, where he and his guests from the Apple Community discuss topics including iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Vision Pro, Mac, and and related technologies. He is a regular contributor on such the podcasts Vision Profiles,  MacVoices Live, and The Mac Show.  He is a  speaker at the Macstock Conference and Expo each year. Website: https://intouchwithios.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/intouchwithiosMastodon: @daveg65@mastodon.cloud

Lots of different services offer tiered pricing. From full price with no (or depending on content limited) ads, all the way to free but with ads. Many times when you least want or expect them. When I pay full price for content, I expect no ads, but understand that things like live entertainment of sporting events there may be no choice. Apple (bless em) so far has no tier other5 than full price, no ads, but to gain more customers should they be thinking different?Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠⁠Gaz's Pick:  gmenpodcast@icloud.comgmenshow@icloud.comGuy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Like so many ventures Apple has stumbled into, home automation has been embraced and forgotten about several times. From trying to go it alone in the earlier days with HomeKit, to actually negotiating with other platforms to develop a standard. It’s been a carnival ride of innovation! Well, not the fun, family friendly kind of ride…more like careening platform that slams you from side to side while blood dripping clowns come at you with axes and chainsaws.Gaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQg⁠Gaz's Pick:  Thunderbirds  Stage Show⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqPmeBLvX0⁠Guy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Thank goodness Apple has simplified their product line with M5 chips in certain devices and not in others, the seemingly never ending line of executives tossed into the alligator pit…I mean Apple AI initiates. And now, FINALLY they have straightened out the device and service confusion surrounding their streaming offerings by called everything AppleTV. Stay tuned for their NEXT initiative when the rename the phone to, yep, AppleTVGaz's Links:Guy's Pick: Alan Hastings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7s_RW-diQgGaz's Pick:  Thunderbirds  Stage Showhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hqPmeBLvX0Guy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Apple with little fanfare releases devices with their TOTALLY unexpected by everyone in the universe M5 processor and put it in an iPad Pro, 14-inch MacBook Pro, and new that looks exactly the same Vision Pro. Meanwhile the Mac Pro is an M2 Ultra, the Mac Studio is an M3 Ultra, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro is an M4 Max. While I’m sure somewhere in the halls of Montezuma…sorry Cupertino this makes sense, even to the GMen this earns a “I’m sorry, what?”Gaz's Links:Guy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

We hate rumors…with a passion. We constantly make fun of analysts who have built their reputations by giving titalating rumors that are usually too good to be true. This is one however that I couldn’t pass up for reasons we’ll go into later. Gaz's Links:Guy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot

Back after a VERY enjoyable week walking the Welsh Coastline (for Gaz) or watching a 40 foot high bonfire in Ohio (for Guy). We are so locked into various companies for tech, that the total bill can be significant. Whether it’s Microsoft 365, various phone plans, internet rates, or subscription services, it adds up.Gaz's Links:Guy@mymac.comMacParrot and VertShark on TwitterMacParrot on BlueSkyGaz@mymac.comGazMaz on Mastadon: Gazmaz@c.im and on BlueskyGuyandGaz on Twitter and BlueskyGoogle Voice number 703-828-4677 (outside the US/ Your country code then 1, then the number) will incur charges if dialed directly.Ko-Fi Supportershttps://ko-fi.com/macparrotPaypal Supporters:https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/macparrot